I know the Sydney Origin happened last week, but it is still front and centre in my mind.
Look, I know I’m a Kiwi, and when I was asked to coach Queensland way back in 1991-92 a lot of Queenslanders didn’t agree with my appointment.
But that is all just water under the bridge – I can assure every reader of this column that I have always absolutely got what State of Origin means.
I’m sure this is partly because of the Origin story I saw unfolding when I first coached Norths in Brisbane in 1979.
But put all that to one side for just a minute. I was in Sydney to watch the decider last Wednesday, and what an evening it was.
Sitting there watching the game unfold, my theory on Origin was reinforced – I don’t think NSW have ever got it.
By that, I mean what Origin is actually all about and what it actually means.You may not have picked it up watching the game on TV up in Queensland, but at the game I saw something I couldn’t believe was happening.
I’m only guessing the numbers here, but there was a crowd of over 82,000 announced which is a big number in anyone’s language.
However, with five minutes to go, I think at least 15,000 of them had got up and walked out of the stadium. I know their team was on the end of a flogging but, hey, this is State of Origin and you support your team through thick and thin.
The Origin rivalry is equal to any in world sport, and on your home ground you need to take every advantage you can. But, in my opinion, above all else is loyalty to your team – NSW don’t get this and never have!
When the full time hooter went at Accor Stadium on July 9, the stadium was only three-quarters full at the most.
For State of Origin success, you need 100 per cent at all times.
